She later wrote to other members of the public who questioned her stance: "Have you ever eaten a true Cornish pasty? Potato, swede, onion, beef skirt wrapped in a pastry case crimped with plenty of pepper! NO PEAS!"

Pasty museum

Marion is an ambassador for Cornwall's new Cornucopia attraction, the UK's first pasty museum, is a member of the Cornish Pasty Association and is the Mother of the Pasty in Mexico.

She was also international ambassador of the pasty for the Eden Project two years ago.

Speaking after the row, she said: "I just feel, as an ambassador for so many people, that I'm protecting what I know is right about a pasty and it is really important that for a pasty to be made in Cornwall, to have the correct ingredients in it and for people to enjoy it for what it is - a Cornish pasty.

"Nadiya unfollowed me but I was actually on the Great British Bake Off showcasing the links of the pasty and how the heritage of the pasty has travelled worldwide.

"Even tomorrow, I have people from Seattle coming to learn the heritage of the pasty from me.

"I only showcase what I know to be right and correct and I feel that our Cornish pasty should be protected - or I wouldn't be what I am today."

Cornish pasty is protected under EU law under Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

The county landed the status back in 2011 to ensure only 'genuine' Cornish pasties could be sold under the name.

Today, the Cornish Pasty Association says Cornish pasty-makers generate approximately £300 million of trade per year, employing more than 2,000 people in the industry.

“Lack of respect”

And locals accused Nadiya of a lack of respect for its heritage.

Anna-Marie Coleman, of Redruth, Cornwall, said: "Nadiya is obviously very ignorant of what she is cooking. I think she should jog on back to the classroom and learn to make a real traditional Cornish Pasty.

"Her comment just goes to prove how stupid she is."

Maria Rojas. of Hayle, Cornwall, said: "Nadia (sic) needs to jog on. Cornish pasties do not contain peas and apples but then she has obviously never ever had the experience of eating a proper Cornish pasty otherwise she would not make such a stupid take on a icon."